Question time, Ros Engledow

Date: July 07 2014

Ron Cerabona

Ros Engledow

Actor, higher education adviser (retired)

My ideal Canberra weekends: are spent sailing on Lake Burley Griffin with my partner in his beautiful 18’ wooden boat. I have come to sailing late, and perhaps surprisingly for a non-sporty person, have taken to it with a passion, competitively and for sheer pleasure. I relish a good following breeze when, as forward hand, I am working the spinnaker to full advantage.

My favourite place to eat out in Canberra is: Santa Lucia, for good, reasonably priced Italian-style food and warm hospitality. I remember fondly going there with friends in the late 1970s when I returned from a number of years living overseas. So it continues.

My proudest moments in theatre to date have been: as Shakespeare’s Julieton the Cenotaph parapet in Sydney’s Hyde Park (an Education Week televised production) and as Eliza Dolittle in Canberra Philharmonic’s first production of My Fair Lady in the Canberra Theatre with full orchestra and in the days of no body mics.

My most embarrassing moment on stage was: as Ado Annie in Philo’s Oklahoma!, again in the Canberra Theatre, when singing I Cain't Say No to my beau, Will, whose fly was down, his pink shirt-tale peeking through. It gave the song a whole new meaning.

The biggest issue for higher education: and education at all levels, is convincing governments of all persuasions of the value of sustained public investment in our education and research institutions and their students. I was raised by my mum who did not have the means to pay for my education. I was fortunate to go to good public schools and benefited from a government university scholarship which provided tuition and a living allowance. I firmly believe that these factors have been critical to me being able to secure fulfilling, well-paid jobs, and the quality of life I enjoy.

My latest stage role is: as Fraulein Schneider in Philo’s 2014 production of Cabaret opposite Ian Croker as Herr Schulz. Ian and I are returning to Cabaret after appearing in Canberra Repertory’s 1989 production as the Emcee and Sally Bowles, respectively. Quite a journey!